American Vampire #23 Review

Running down the vamp that ruined your life, is there anything sweeter?

For American Vampire #23, Scott Snyder and Rafael Albuquerque strap us in for one hell of a white-knuckled ride. Unlike recent issues of American Vampire, this month's installment is incredibly fast paced -- befitting the issue's focus on a car chase -- bouncing back and forth between present day events and those set in the past to shed some light on Travis' upbringing. We get touches of what turned Travis into the master vampire slayer he is today, but Snyder never really dives deep, instead choosing to keep the character development light to make room for the action.

Because of this issue's reliance on action, artist Rafael Albuquerque gets a chance to really put the pedal to the metal. Albuquerque's style is a little more loose this time out, yet it still works considering American Vampire #23 jumps around so quickly and frequently. Colorist Dave McCaig is a large reason why Albuquerque's artwork, even at its most raw, can still wow with eye-popping flair.

Part two of "Death Race" is another awesome installment in this continuously-solid series. There's really no other way to look at it. Snyder might be letting the deep characterization take a backseat for action, and Albuquerque's pencils might be a little less refined than we've grown accustomed to, but that doesn't change the fact that American Vampire #23 is still an entertaining romp in this incredible vampire-filled universe. Oh, and the last page cliffhanger should send diehard American Vampire fans in a tizzy.